AL-KUWAIT, December 18. /Dunyo IA/. An exclusive interview with Umid Shodiev, Chairman of the Committee for Tourism of Uzbekistan, has been published in the Kuwaiti daily newspaper “An-Nahar”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In the interview, Umid Shodiev emphasized that modern Uzbekistan, with its rich cultural heritage and the historic routes of the Great Silk Road, is steadily emerging as a new tourism hub in Central Asia, positioning itself as an open and safe destination for travelers.

“The Chairman reported that the period from January to September 2025 witnessed an unprecedented rise in the number of foreign tourists, as their number reached 8.6 million visitors, an increase of 112.5% compared to the same period last year, while tourism revenues reached $3.6 billion. He added that the number of tourists from China increased 3.5 times, from France 1.3 times, from the United States, Spain and Turkey 1.2 times, and from Germany, Italy, Malaysia and India 1.1 times, reflecting a significant expansion in tourism export markets”, - publication notes.

“An-Nahar” notes that the modernization of infrastructure was a crucial factor in the success of the sector, as the year 2025 witnessed the implementation of 421 new projects and the creation of 6,313 jobs, the most prominent achievements include the opening of the JW Marriott Hotel in Tashkent with a German investment, the operation of the Beldersoy Resort Ski Complex in the Bostanlik region, the launch of a coastal tourist resort project in the Aydar-Arnasay Lakes, the development of historical centers in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva while preserving the ancient architectural character.

“Today, Uzbekistan is a destination that combines the aroma of ancient civilizations with the services of the 21st century," Shadyev concluded. We are confidently working to establish ourselves as one of the most important tourist hubs in Central Asia, and we expect even greater growth in the coming years with the launch of new routes and services”, - Umid Shodiev, Chairman of the Committee for Tourism of Uzbekistan, summarized.